Which iMac Pro configuration is right for you?

If you've got questions about which iMac Pro to get, AppleInsider has answers in a video breaking down the specs of the machine -- and how much it's going to cost you.

Apple on Thursday kicked off sales of the iMac Pro, its first all-in-one professional-grade desktop, packing 8 Intel Xeon processing cores and 32 gigabytes of RAM into the entry-level $4,999 model. The first orders via Apple's website arrive just after Christmas, by Dec. 27.

A completely maxed-out, 18-core late 2017 iMac Pro will set buyers back $13,199 -- and actually ships in early 2018.

If you want to get a higher tiered iMac Pro, we think the best option is Apple's $7,199 midspec model, which packs in a 10 -core processor, Vega 64 graphics with 16 gigabytes of memory, 64 gigabytes of RAM, and a 1-terabyte SSD.

Custom configurations of the iMac Pro include 64 gigabytes of RAM for another $800, or 128 gigabytes for an additional $2,400. A jump to a 2-terabyte SSD is $800, while 4 terabytes costs $2,800.

Moving up from the base Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of HBM2 memory to the Vega 64 with 16GB is the least expensive optional upgrade available on the iMac Pro, coming in at $600.

Upgrading the Processor will cost $800 for a 10 core, $1600 for a 12 core, and $2400 for the highest end 18-core CPU. The last two options will require you to wait until late January or February before delivery.

Apple's official app also says the machine will be available for in-store pickup starting Feb. 20

The iMac Pro ships in Space Gray, with matching Lightning cable to charge the included Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, and Magic Mouse 2. A Space Gray Magic Trackpad 2 is available for sale in conjunction with the unit.

Along with iMac Pro release, Apple has updated Final Cut Pro with new features including editing full-resolution 8K video, and extension of 360-degree VR video support to Motion and Compressor. It also includes updated color correction tools, LUT support, HDR video editing and exporting, and support for HEVC and HEIF formats that Apple started utilizing with the launch of iOS 11.

Let us know what you think of the iMac Pro in the comment section below. We have one on order and will be seeing what it's capable of and comparing it to the 2017 5K iMac in a variety of tasks.

For the best prices on a new iMac Pro, please visit our iMac Pro Price Guide.

One question that would be useful to have answered when you do the review is about the configurations for the three memory options. Mainly this: Is the 64GB 2x32GB or 4x16GB?

Crucial does not seem to be selling a 16GB RDIMM, only 8GB and 32GB, so maybe Apple isn't using those? In that case, the 64GB configuration must be 2x32GB. If so, it makes sense to pay the $800 go to 64GB, because you don't have to replace anything if you upgrade to 128GB later on, unlike if you are at 32GB (assuming 4x8GB).

One question that would be useful to have answered when you do the review is about the configurations for the three memory options. Mainly this: Is the 64GB 2x32GB or 4x16GB?

Crucial does not seem to be selling a 16GB RDIMM, only 8GB and 32GB, so maybe Apple isn't using those? In that case, the 64GB configuration must be 2x32GB. If so, it makes sense to pay the $800 go to 64GB, because you don't have to replace anything if you upgrade to 128GB later on, unlike if you are at 32GB (assuming 4x8GB).

Max says that all Xeon processors are designed to work in Quad channel Ram configs. There's 4 slots in the iMac Pro. Each configuration should be using all 4 slots.

The RAM looks slotted in the pictures on Apple so it should be upgradable, but like on the 2017 and the pre-2015 slim 21.5" iMacs the RAM slots are on the back of the logic board so an upgrade requires you to remove the display and the logic board.

The heat pipes and other design features would probably make that beyond the average user.

Silly question. The A$20 000 one of course. Hang on my wife wants to speak to me...
No, turns out I was wrong. The correct answer is "None of them. Use the 5k iMac you bought less than 6 months ago you blithering idiot."

One question that would be useful to have answered when you do the review is about the configurations for the three memory options. Mainly this: Is the 64GB 2x32GB or 4x16GB?

Crucial does not seem to be selling a 16GB RDIMM, only 8GB and 32GB, so maybe Apple isn't using those? In that case, the 64GB configuration must be 2x32GB. If so, it makes sense to pay the $800 go to 64GB, because you don't have to replace anything if you upgrade to 128GB later on, unlike if you are at 32GB (assuming 4x8GB).

Max says that all Xeon processors are designed to work in Quad channel Ram configs. There's 4 slots in the iMac Pro. Each configuration should be using all 4 slots.

BTW: The back is sealed. You can't add or remove RAM on the iMac Pro.

Yes, thanks. That makes sense.

To be clear, I didn't mean to imply the average individual would be able to change out the RAM. But it's not like an experienced (i.e., trained) tech can't do it. Obviously, while an individual's needs don't usually change, the way a given machine is being used within a shop can.

Silly question. The A$20 000 one of course. Hang on my wife wants to speak to me...
No, turns out I was wrong. The correct answer is "None of them. Use the 5k iMac you bought less than 6 months ago you blithering idiot."

Why it's only A$5 an hour assuming it's at least 100weeks of productivity before intel are going to release anything significantly better. Unlike the the A$10,000 option which will be beaten by next years offer ( ;-) I assume anyway)

Silly question. The A$20 000 one of course. Hang on my wife wants to speak to me...
No, turns out I was wrong. The correct answer is "None of them. Use the 5k iMac you bought less than 6 months ago you blithering idiot."